Can you help?

[Debbi]

I have a very dear friend who delivered a precious baby girl a couple of weeks ago at 22 weeks (1 lb. 1 oz.). While she had been doing very well, she took a turn for the worst this past weekend and is not expected to make it. My friend has asked me to try and locate a dress for her (still under 2 pounds). Any ideas at all where I could find such a small size? I've done searches for micro preemies and am still not having any luck. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

One other note, she has also asked me to be there when they remove her from life support to photograph the family. God help me. I've known her for more than 25 years and she was my coach with my first son's birth. I know I will do this without question but please pray for me to have the strength to get thru this and to do justice for such an important family event.

Thank you!

[J Eddington]

Originally Posted by Debbi

I have a very dear friend who delivered a precious baby girl a couple of weeks ago at 22 weeks (1 lb. 1 oz.). While she had been doing very well, she took a turn for the worst this past weekend and is not expected to make it. My friend has asked me to try and locate a dress for her (still under 2 pounds). Any ideas at all where I could find such a small size? I've done searches for micro preemies and am still not having any luck. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

One other note, she has also asked me to be there when they remove her from life support to photograph the family. God help me. I've known her for more than 25 years and she was my coach with my first son's birth. I know I will do this without question but please pray for me to have the strength to get thru this and to do justice for such an important family event.

Thank you!

Try Toys R Us and look at doll clothes

[Debbi]

Thank you, Janice. I've looked at Toys R Us and Babies R Us but their idea of preemie is 4+ pounds. Doll clothes are an option but I don't have a clue of how to judge the size. She's only 10 inches long so I guess I could go by that. I do appreciate your help.

[BabyHopes]

http://www.preemie.com has a selection of clothes. I'm still searching to see if they have something small enough for 2 lbs, but did see a christening gown that is supposed to fit 3 lbs...

http://www.preemie.com/Micro-Preemie..._c_20-1-0.html

A really beautiful bereavement gown: http://www.babylinq.com/fancygirlssp...t-4pieces.aspx

Something a little more comfortable and affordable: http://www.babylinq.com/micropreemie...res1-3lbs.aspx

I think this one may be the same as the last one, but a little different view: http://www.preemieproud.com/nicu-mic...own--girl.html

A long sleeve resting gown: http://www.nurtureplace.com/baby-clo...tml__1307PK_NP

Another option is to contact a knitting group and ask if anyone has any experience knitting bereavement gowns. I know in Lancaster there is a wool and loom shop on the square that is a wealth of resource and talent for knitting and crocheting. A lot of the ladies there do prayer shawls, and you may find someone interested in doing a comissioned piece. Even if it's just a knitted cap and blanket...

[Debbi]

Thank you so much, Manda! I really do appreciate the links. Some I have found but not all. I've mentioned the bereavement/christening gown as an option but she really has her heart set on a frilly dress. We'll see. Thank you again!!

[12stones]

May you have strength during this rough time for you and your friend.

[J Eddington]

Frilly...http://www.babylinq.com/fancygirlssp...t-4pieces.aspx

Works with hospital. http://www.geocities.com/preciouspreemies_tinytoes/

I couldn't find all the info but Donna Jackson Whitaker Avenue and West Eighth Street in Odessa makes clothes.

[Debbi]

I appreciate it, Ricky! Thank you again, Janice! I'll check them out.

[DeannaD]

Oh Debbie.. I'll say a prayer for all of you. How sad.

[djroga]

From our lips to God's ear...may His peace cover you and your friend's family in the coming days.......

[dtscds]

While I have nothing to add on the dress front--as someone who has more experience with these situations than I want, let me make a suggestion. Lots of folks don't think about such things at times like these, but they are going to want photos of themselves and their daughter. I know a couple of families that have lost infants that did not have photos of them holding their child. So, if you can, be sure they get those photos. (This may be what you are gearing up for...)
I know how difficult your situation is and how helpless you must feel. I will be praying for them and for you.

[Jessica Merritt]

Debbi,

If you don't feel comfortable doing the shoot, you can contact a photographer from Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. They have a network of photographers who do infant bereavement photography at no cost.

[Breezy]

Debbie, when my sister lost her triplets at 24 weeks they were 3/4 pounds, 1.1 lbs and 1.4 lbs. She did doll dresses for them as they couldn't find anything else, but they also had no notice, the first one passed in less than 36 hours and the other 2 made it to 60 and 72.
I wish you lots of strength during this time. I am sure your friend will treasure her photos.
All my sister has is a polaroid of each and I couldn't help her out as I was stuck in California, and delayed flights etc... that even made me late for the funeral.

[island bound]

go to BUILD-A-BEAR

[kula23]

I know how you feel Debbie. My brother lost his son while in his wife's womb that he was suppose to be born Sept 2007 but he died August 2007. It was their first child and it was rough time and they asked me to fix up the photo and print in poster size which is kinda creep me but I will do whatever they wanted to asked me. So be strong, Debbie.